Wiktionary
n. (alternative form of dog tooth English)
Wikipedia
A dog-tooth or "dogtooth pattern", in architecture, is an ornament found in the moldings of medieval work of the commencement of the 12th century, which is thought to have been introduced by the Crusaders from the East. The earliest example is found in the hall at Rabbath Ammon in Moab (c. 614) built by the Sassanians, where it decorates the arch molding of the blind arcades and the string courses. The pattern consists of 4 flower petals forming a square or diamond shape with central elements. The petals have the form of the pointed conical canine tooth, eye tooth or cuspid.
In the apse of the church at Murano, near Venice, it is similarly employed. In the 12th and 13th centuries it was further elaborated with carving, losing therefore its primitive form, but constituting a most beautiful decorative feature. In Elgin Cathedral the dogtooth ornament in the archivolt becomes a four-lobed leaf, and in Stone church, Kent, a much more enriched type of flower. The term has been supposed to originate in a resemblance to the dog tooth violet, but the original idea of a projecting tooth is a sufficient explanation.
"Dogtooth" is also a woven fabric pattern which resembles a canine tooth.
Usage examples of "dog-tooth".
Then, leaping into her tiny piragua, she darted into the wildest whirl of the eddies, shooting along with vigorous strokes, while the English trembled as they saw the frail bark spinning and leaping amid the muzzles of the alligators, and the huge dog-toothed trout: but with the swiftness of an arrow she reached the northern bank, drove her canoe among the bushes, and leaping from it, darted through some narrow opening in the bush, and vanished like a dream.
It was a sort of mustardy brown with a dark-red, dog-tooth pattern, wide curved lapels, heavy cuffs and large leather buttons.
She had on a suit made in exactly the same material as my own: mustardy brown with a dark red, dog-tooth pattern.
Father Devlin never understood it, and although repeated examination in the mirror, and exploratory licking, told him that his dog-tooth was not really that of a vampire, he was of that simple group of mankind that believes the camera cannot lie, and besides, he did not like to criticize the Senator.
Vegetation was rank, and the dog-tooth violet, honeysuckle, blue-bell, and columbine were in blossom.